Top walking vacations in India

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Top walking vacations in India

Western Ghats, Kerala

Although this mountain range actually runs through five states of Maharashtra, Goa, Karnataka, Kerala and Tamil Nadu, following the southwestern coast, most walking vacations that take place in this enormous escarpment are in Kerala. Walking in this UNESCO World Heritage Site for two weeks allows you to follow the most wonderfully eclectic itinerary, starting in the hill station and plantation town of Munnar, which has Kerala’s highest peak, Anamudi, at 2,695m as its omnipresent overseer. Hike to tea estates and plantations in the Seven Malai Hills, through elevated grasslands and into montane rainforest. And also to Meesapulimala Peak at 2,630m, the second highest in the state. Walking vacations in the Western Ghats usually include a trip to Periyar National Park, which protects the Western Ghats’ tiger and elephant populations.

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Markha Valley, Ladakh

There is something extraordinary about walking in a mountain desert, cold not hot, with small traditional villages rather than oases along the way. They are all wonderful points of refreshment, however, many providing ‘tea houses’ in tents to revive walkers in this Himalayan trekking terrain. Walk here for two weeks, staying at a mix of guesthouses or campsites along the way, to see marvels such as Stok Kangri (6,153m). Most of the walking here takes place in Hemis National Park, with highpoints at Ganda La (4,970m) and Gongmaru La (5,200m) mountain passes. With river crossings and canyon trekking, as well as a wealth of traditional Buddhist villages and mountain monasteries including Tache Gompa and Hemis, this trek definitely makes its mark.

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Sikkim & Singalila Ridge

Sikkim is the most sparsely populated Indian state, tucked in between Nepal and Bhutan. It’s most famous trek is the Singalila Ridge, a point to point walk that takes four days starting at Khechipalri Lake which is sacred for Buddhists. Trek with porters and guides, and camp along the way up the Ridge to see Everest’s peaks, with the highest point being at the top of the Singalila Pass, at 3,700m. This is the land of yak herders, wild rhododendron and bamboo forests, as well as the red panda. Another walking alternative in Sikkim is further south, up to the peaks of Dzongri at 3,962m and Goechala at 4,940m, also camping along the way and discovering medieval towns and sacred sites such as Tsoka and Dubdi Monasteries.

Sikkim & Singalila Ridge

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India walking vacations travel guide

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The Markha Valley trek

The challenging Markha Valley trek in Ladakh takes you through some of northern India’s most spectacular and remote Himalayan scenery, into tiny mud-brick villages dotted with so many monasteries this region has earned the name ‘Little Tibet’.

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Our tips about walking vacations in India include what to pack, what to eat and ability levels. Do take time to read the experts’ wise words...

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